Berkeley police want to encrypt all radio calls

"Berkeley police headquarters. Credit: Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside/Catchlight Berkeley police would like to keep their radio calls to themselves. Police Chief Jen Louis has asked the City Council for permission to encrypt all of her agency's radio communications. Many police calls in Berkeley already are over encrypted bands such as Special Response Team calls, special patrol or investigative calls and others but the department's main dispatch channels remain open to the public."

"Every other policy agency in Alameda County has moved to start encrypting their radio communications over the past several weeks. But critics say the change eliminates vital sources of information about crimes and emergencies, and makes transparency and accountability for police a harder target. Berkeleyside reporters, for example, frequently tune in to BPD's channels for background information on breaking news situations. The proposal will go before the City Council on Oct. 28."

"In a report to the City Council, she wrote that police have caught burglars listening in on the unencrypted channels, which can give them real-time information on where some officers are heading. When suspects have advance notice of officer presence or activity in an area, it not only enables their evasion of arrest; it can create a tactical disadvantage for responding personnel and increases the risk of a violent encounter, she wrote to the council."

Police Chief Jen Louis requested City Council permission to encrypt all Berkeley Police radio communications, noting that many specialized channels are already encrypted while main dispatch remains public. Other Alameda County agencies have recently moved to encryption. Critics contend encryption would remove public access to vital information about crimes and emergencies and would hinder transparency and accountability. Local reporters frequently rely on open channels for background on breaking news. The proposal is scheduled for the City Council consent calendar on Oct. 28. Louis reported instances of burglars listening to unencrypted channels and described safety and tactical concerns for officers.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org